Stamford home shines on ABC's 'Christmas Light Fight'

Updated 9:05 pm, Monday, December 12, 2016

Even at the end of a cul-de-sac on Lewelyn Road, it's hardly hidden when December rolls around. All one has to do is follow the light and listen for the music.

Now, the rest of the country is aware of Stamford's best held holiday lore.

On Monday night, the home of Tony Pampena was featured on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight," a show that pits some of America's most outlandishly decorated homes in a contest for Christmas supremacy.

Pampena's house has become a literal beacon of Christmas spirit in the city. Whether it's December or July, "Tony Christmas" is spreading yuletide joy.

But much like his home, the holiday season is truly when he shines.

Becoming 'Tony Christmas'

About 900 hours of work and more than 60,000 lights went into this year's Christmas display at the Pampena residence. At times, Pampena would find himself outside for 48 hours straight, adjusting each light bulb so that it rests perfectly against his house.

"Once I start decorating, I don't go anywhere. I'm outside from five at night to almost one o'clock in the morning," Pampena said. "It's a labor of love."

While the annual routine may strike some as obsessive or simply crazy, the reward at stake fits the effort. The winner of ABC's contest will win $60,000. But Pampena, in the true spirit of Christmas, said the prize money is the furthest thing from his mind.

"I never got into this for the money. I've only done this for the joy of Christmas," Pampena said. "I just wanted to be on the show so people would see my gift to them. Just spreading the joy of Christmas, that's what it's all about."

In order to deliver on his hopes and nickname, a moniker he was gifted by a fellow Greenwich firefighter, the 27-year fireman begins his holiday journey in September. No diagram. No help. Just a vision and a whole lot of patience.

Year-to-year, the end result differs.

"I add to it every year. I'll just start decorating and I'll just go with something. I don't write anything down first," Pampena said, adding that his family has given nothing but encouragement for his seasonal agenda. "[My wife] won't help me decorate but she'll help add to the display."

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

A view of Tony Pampena's home in Stamford. Pampena's house was featured on ABC's "Great Light Fight" on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. The show pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" film Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Tony Pampena runs across the street in front of television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Tony Pampena runs across the street in front of television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the country against each other for a grand prize.

Television crews from ABC's "Great Light Fight" set up in front of Tony Pampena's Stamford home on Oct. 17, 2016. Pampena and his family were featured on the show that pits Christmas displays from around the

As visitors make their way to the end of the cul-de-sac, a home that would put Clark W. Griswold's antics to shame comes into view. Meticulously placed, multicolored bulbs adorned nearly every edge and face of Pampena's home.

A sign sits at the edge of the drive with "more in back" spelled out in lights. Along the walkway leading behind the house, they're met with the constant glow of Christmas and Pampena himself in his Santa outift.

"It's just nice to meet people and talk with people. I try to meet as many people as I possibly can," Pampena said.

That joy is visible in the faces aglow outside his home and memories he's made over the last 31 years of decorating his home.

Wedding proposals, surprise birthday parties, and teary-eyed moments that only the holiday season brings to heart have taken place in the light of Pampena's home. On one occasion, long-lost relatives from Italy even found their way by following the shining hallmark.

"I met relatives I never knew I had. They came from Italy and they heard about my house and they saw my mailbox," Pampena recalled. "It definitely makes me happy. I just enjoy bringing that happiness to everyone else."

"For me Christmas is 365. I live it," he added.

Spreading the Christmas spirit

Standing outside on a cold evening in October, and dawning his Santa costume while microphones and cameras danced around his home, Pampena was in a whirlwind.

Television crews rushed to and fro, setting up each angle and lighting arrangement before the display felt its first jolt of energy of the season.

As he waited outside with his wife, children, parents, and other members of the clan, Pampena recalled the fleeting excitement of switching on the display in front of the cameras.

"I compare it to a wedding day. The bride and groom spend all this time preparing for it...and when the day comes it's just so hectic," Pampena said. "You enjoy it but you really don't get to take it all in. I really didn't want it to end."

It was a moment long in the making.

After two unsuccessful attempts at being featured on the ABC show, Pampena chose not to re-enter and left the opportunity up to the show's producers. They called back for the show's fourth season, looking to take the show in a more traditional—yet equally astounding—direction, Pampena said.

"I've never been into all that crazy stuff. I know that's hard to say, I have 60,000 lights. But it's all done nicely. It's not tacky," Pampena said.

Judging by the steady stream of traffic the street sees from late November to early January, locals couldn't agree more.

"It's well worth it. You can't put a price on making people happy," Pampena said. "And that's what I do it for."